THEbreweryauthority rarely talks about craft beer bars. Usually, it's all about the breweries, beer, or beer destinations. However, we figured we'd give a shout out to our hometown craft beer bar - Ale Mary's at the Bittendlbender in Scranton PA. Ale Mary's has become our go-to beer bar over the years, mainly because Scranton and the surrounding area didn't have many breweries. Thankfully that has changed but we still frequent Ale Mary's any chance we get. Actually, Scranton in general has a great restaurant/bar scene. Growing up you always hate the town you grew up in often telling people how much it sucks. For the most part Scranton does still suck, but we have come to appreciate the craft beer bars and diverse restaurant options for this moderately sized town.
So if you happen to be in the Electric City my number one suggestion would be Ale Mary's which has become the premier craft beer gastropub in town serving up twenty local, regional, and national taps and a bottle and can list that seems to go on forever. As someone who needs to try a new beer every chance I get, Ale Mary's always had something new, but recently they have really stepped their game up.
Rob, the bar manager and certified mixologist, takes pride in obtaining the absolute best when it comes to local beers, highly sought after IPAs, thick fruited sours, bourbon barrel aged stouts, and so much more. Rob searches high and low intensely pleading with distributors to give him the best! More often than not he comes through. Beers from breweries we could only dream of years ago are now mainstays at Ale Mary's. Don't be surprised if you find Toppling Goliath, The Veil, Great Notion and more on draft.
Ale Mary's serves up arguably the best bar food in all of Scranton. I can honestly say I have NEVER had a sub par meal and Ale Mary's is one of the few restaurants I will try a new dish or something out of my comfort zone. I know whatever sandwich or salad finds its' way to my table will be delectable. Although the menu changes regularly, mouth watering culinary delights are always available. Their unique artisan sandwiches and flatbreads are a must try as well as the Buffalo wings and always rotating weekly specials. Ask Rob for the beer that pairs perfectly with your meal. He won't let you down!
Not only does Ale Mary's dominate the Scranton craft beer and food scene, but they are also your destination for college and pro football. Particularly, soccer draws some of the largest crowds to this bar. With every game on and Scranton's best beer and food combinations Ale Mary's should be your gameday destination. Make sure to keep an eye out for Rob at the bar. He's usually the one dawning a Steelers jersey.
Word on the street is Ale Mary's very own speakeasy, Madame Jenny's, located in the rear of the restaurant may be reopening soon. The pandemic hit the restaurant industry hard and for now the speakeasy remains closed, but hopefully that will change. Personally I think they should of kept Madame Jenny's open during the shutdowns....would of gave them some real street cred as a true speakeasy!
Any way you slice it Ale Mary's has the best beer, the best food, and the best times. A one of a kind craft beer experience awaits you at Ale Mary's in Scranton PA!
Cheers!
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